Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU8 Laptop Review: Budget-Friendly Workhorse with 13th Gen Intel
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU8 Laptop Review: A Budget-Friendly Workhorse with 13th Gen Intel
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU8 is a budget-friendly laptop that aims to strike a balance between affordability and performance. It boasts a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display, a powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. In this review, we’ll delve into its strengths and weaknesses to determine whether it’s a worthy choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike.
Key Features
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU8 comes packed with features that cater to everyday computing needs. Here’s a breakdown of its key highlights:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5-1335U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.3 / 4.6GHz, E-core 0.9 / 3.4GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics Functions as UHD Graphics |
| Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
| Memory | 8GB Soldered LPDDR5-4800 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS 300nits Anti-glare |
| Keyboard | Backlit, English (UK) |
| Battery | Integrated 47Wh |
| Operating System | None |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.2 |
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU8 delivers impressive performance for its price point. The Intel Core i5-1335U processor, with its 10 cores and 12 threads, handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming with ease. We tested the laptop with multiple browser tabs open, streaming high-definition videos, and editing documents, and it consistently performed without lag or stutter.
The Intel Iris Xe graphics integrated within the processor provide adequate performance for casual gaming and multimedia tasks. While it’s not meant for intensive gaming, it can handle older titles and less demanding games at lower settings.
The 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick application loading, enhancing overall productivity. The laptop’s responsiveness is excellent, thanks to the combination of a fast processor, ample RAM, and a speedy SSD.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summary of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU8’s pros and cons:
Pros
- Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U processor
- Adequate Intel Iris Xe graphics for casual gaming and multimedia
- Fast 512GB SSD for quick boot times and application loading
- 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with vibrant colors and good viewing angles
- Lightweight and portable design
- Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in low-light conditions
- Decent battery life for everyday use
- Affordable price point
Cons
- RAM is soldered and not upgradable
- No onboard Ethernet port, requires a USB-C to Ethernet adapter
- Trackpad can feel a bit unresponsive at times
- Speakers lack depth and bass
Final Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU8 is a compelling choice for budget-conscious users who need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and multimedia consumption. Its powerful processor, ample storage, and vibrant display deliver a satisfying user experience. While it has some drawbacks, such as the soldered RAM and lack of an Ethernet port, these are outweighed by its strengths and affordable price. If you’re looking for a well-rounded laptop that won’t break the bank, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRU8 is a solid option worth considering.
